No Good Excuse — Sean Baumstark

A year ago, I wrote about the yearly calendar’s halfway point being a great time to check in on my annual goals and the routines I employ to accomplish them. Although we…

I’m certain there are many things everyone can agree on: Planet Earth is round, what goes up must come down, and pineapple does not belong on pizza. You see, inarguable, right? Although many might agree,…

As I write this, I just received word that a friend and co-worker passed away in his sleep last night. Unbelievable shock consumed me for several moments. My friend was in his early 30s…

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to loom over the globe, our concerns and worries seem to increase as well. What started for many as an issue in some faraway region of…

There’s never a “good time” for the world to face a pandemic, or for a region or community to deal with such a significant threat to our health and lives. I suppose we can do or could…

I feel like I’ve recently made a huge decision. To some, my choice may be a no-brainer, but others may relate to the tug of war I’ve had with myself. Whether you can relate or not, if…

The podcast I co-host, “Two Disabled Dudes,” is celebrating a major milestone this week: We recently broadcast our 100th episode! It’s been a wild three years, and neither my co-host,…

If you follow me on social media, you probably saw this column coming. In fact, I feel like I can’t write about anything else this week other than my recent travel experience. To be fair,…

I’m realizing that short-term disability insurance provides value beyond the financial benefit. Of course, the continued flow of income is important when it helps sustain your overall well-being and allows you to remain independent. My state-sponsored disability…

Change seldom happens by accident or coincidence, especially when it involves other people, such as with rules, laws, policies, job promotions, and so on. The weather and the ocean tide will change no matter what we do…

Those who know me know that I have little, if any, tolerance for poor service. I’m sure this is deeply rooted in my years of working in the service industry. I’ve worked in restaurants, hotels, and grocery…

We are wrapping up the first month of the year. Are you glad to be moving forward, or are you wishing time would slow down? The saying “Time flies when you’re having fun” doesn’t seem…

I recently wrote a column about trying something new, and I challenged readers and myself to get out of our comfort zones. I’ve been trying many new…

I’ve been thinking about the “bare minimum” in the context of guest or customer service. Many companies would argue that their success, or a healthy amount of it, is due to the extraordinary service they provide their…

The start of a new year always seems to bring new goals and commitments. I’m sure you’ve thought about a thing or two, or have created a long list of resolutions for 2020. Whether we’re talking about…

I grew up as a picky eater. I was very “basic” in what I liked: graham crackers, mac and cheese, pizza, and popcorn. I didn’t dare venture out to vegetables or anything remotely green. And kettle corn…

I’ve been contemplating a metaphor of sorts, inspired by festivities of my family’s holiday traditions. I’m not sure if this is a thought process I’ll cling to very deeply, as it’s still new to me. However, I…

I recently wrote about my gratitude for the people I’ve been privileged to meet and build friendships with since my Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) diagnosis. My frame of mind when writing that…

I often struggle with two opposing principles of thought: I have a strong animosity toward Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), and I have a deep gratitude for life because of it.

There is a first time for everything, right? That’s a phrase I often hear and it is true. A baby’s first words, a teenager’s first driver’s license, a first speeding ticket, a first kiss, a first house…